Lekythos 599 BC

This black-figure lekythos, a type of ancient Greek oil jar, dates back to 599 BC and was created by the Class of Athens 581, a group of artists who worked together in the Athenian workshops. Decorated with a scene of a man and a woman offering a goat to a deity, likely a goddess, the lekythos exemplifies the black-figure technique, where figures are painted in black on a reddish-brown clay background. This technique, prevalent in 6th-century BC Athenian vase painting, provides a striking contrast and allows for detailed depiction of figures and objects. The lekythos, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient Greek potters.